Nebraska ranchers feel that the government’s assistance falls short when compared to the losses they have faced so far in 2009.
4,000 cattle were lost this year from harsh weather conditions. This equates to 1,300 pounds of meat. The USDA has offered assistance, but many ranchers feels it is not enough.
Nebraska Cattlemen Vice President Michael Kelsey said, “What they’re proposing to do at this point is to value cattle closer to 400 pound range versus end of weight range which again would be 1,200-1,300 pounds.”
The assistance comes from the Livestock Indemnity Program, and many Nebraska cattleman are pushing for a change.
“That category’s too big,” Kelsey said. “They need to subcategorize. Maybe 4-800 pounds, 8-1,000 and 1,000 to mature weight.”
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